Just like people, animals require additional care as they age. Animals age at a much faster pace than humans. This means that medical professionals have a very short window of time to intervene when problems arise. Left undiagnosed and untreated, conditions such as heart problems, kidney failure, or osteoarthritis become debilitating.

This means that it is even more important for senior animals to receive semi-annual wellness examinations and blood screens. Most pets are considered to be seniors around the age of 7, although larger breeds may reach their golden years earlier.